How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

UMTRI seeks an experienced Research Administrator to provide excellent research administrative support to assigned faculty and research staff. You will be part of the Research Administration team reporting to UMTRI's Business Administrator, and will work to ensure efficiency in the shared services model, which provides accurate and timely administrative support across the institute. Working as a research administrator at UMTRI will provide you with the rather unique experiences of administering faculty and staff who are on the non-instructional sponsored pool for timekeeping as well as working with Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts and Task Orders.

What You'll Do

UMTRI's administration model is dynamic and regular reviews of work assignment load and complexity of work assignments are conducted. As such, the duties listed below may be subject to change based upon business needs.

Pre-award duties will include:

Prepare and timely submit proposals, ranging from small proposals for individual faculty to moderately complex proposals, through the University's eResearch Proposal Management (eRPM) system.
Prepare proposal budgets that are moderately complex in nature, often requiring multiple formats, and documents ensuring compliance to solicitation and project proposal announcement requirements.
Coordinate proposal requirements with additional internal and external participants, as well as interact and coordinate with appropriate research office staff.

Post-award duties will include:

Track, analyze, and oversee project financial status.
Develop and communicate staff effort planning reports.
Provide sponsor-specific monthly/quarterly reporting and invoice backup.
Re-budget as needed by sponsors and the University.
Provide initial approval of transactions for assigned projects.
Prepare and submit post-award administrative requests such as no-cost time extensions, information for quick establishment of sub-project grants and subcontracts, and other documents as needed.

General duties will include:

Additional financial tracking will include reconciliation of discretionary, research incentive and expendable restricted funds.
Ensure that research staff using the pool timekeeping system, submit time for their assigned research groups that accurately reflects staff plans and available budget.
Participate in business system improvements and professional development activities.
Serve as a backup for the other research administrators during scheduled absences or to assist with overload assignments in other areas.
Perform other duties and designated activities, as assigned.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is recognized internationally for our multidisciplinary research focusing on transportation safety and mobility (http://umtri.umich.edu). Established in 1965, we maintain the highest standards of excellence as we conduct research that improves peoples' lives through access to safe, equitable and efficient mobility. UMTRI is a non-degree-granting unit within the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan that includes 20 faculty members, 35 research staff, and nearly over 300 students each year engaged in research and other experiential learning opportunities.

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Maternity and Parental Leave

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree and 3 - 5 years of grant and contract experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of relevant policies related to pre and post award research administration.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to maintain confidential information.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, including a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage conflicting priorities while exercising good judgment and decision making skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively work independently as well as collaboratively with faculty and staff at all levels.
Demonstrated ability to think analytically and proactively, anticipating work requirements based on sponsor requests and instructions.
Advanced computer skills including proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe.

Desired Qualifications*

Familiarity and experience with University of Michigan administrative and business tools such as Business Objects, MReports and other MPathways systems, and Chrome River.
Knowledge of UM financial practices, policies, procedures, and regulations, especially regarding procurement, sponsored programs, contract administration, travel/expense reporting, p-card usage, sponsored billing.

Modes of Work

This position is classified as hybrid. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.